Planning a summer getaway? Before you kick back with a beach read or hit the road for a family adventure, take a few simple steps to protect your home and ensure peace of mind while you're away.

Here’s your pre-vacation checklist to help you leave the house worry-free:

1. Check Your Plumbing

Look for any leaks or signs of wear. A small drip can become a big problem if left unattended.

2. Turn Off the Water Supply (If Gone for an Extended Time)

If you're going to be away for more than a week, consider turning off the main water valve to prevent leaks or burst pipes while you're gone.

3. Set the Thermostat

In the Vancouver area, you might not need AC, but you can still set your thermostat to energy-saving levels—around 22°C in summer or even off if temps are mild.

4. Unplug Small Appliances

Coffee makers, toasters, chargers, computers—these can waste energy and pose a fire risk. Unplug anything you won't be using.

5. Notify a Trusted Neighbour

Let them know your travel plans and ask them to check on your home. Leave them a spare key and your contact info just in case.

6. Provide Emergency Shut-off Info

If you're not turning off water and gas, show your neighbour where the shut-off valves are located. It could save you from disaster in an emergency.

7. Pause Deliveries

Newspapers, packages, and even some food box subscriptions can pile up and signal you're not home. Pause or redirect them while you're away.

8. Take Out the Trash & Recycling

Nobody wants to come home to a stinky house. Empty bins before you go and ask a neighbour to roll them out on collection day if needed.

9. Water Your Indoor Plants

Give them a last drink before you go and ask a neighbour to stop in for longer trips.

10. Lock All Doors & Windows

Do a full sweep—check sliders, basement windows, and garage doors. Don't forget to lock the garden shed, too!

11. Activate Your Security System

Set the alarm, lock all smart locks, and double-check that your cameras and notifications are functioning properly.

12. Use Light Timers

Plug a few lamps into timers to give the appearance of someone being home in the evenings.

13. Clean Out the Fridge

Toss anything that will spoil while you're gone—especially dairy, fruit, and leftovers.

14. Check Your Insurance Requirements

Some policies require a home to be checked every few days when vacant. Make sure you're covered and meet those conditions if needed.

Bonus Tip:
Leave a printed copy of your contact info, trip details, and a list of emergency contacts for your house-sitter or neighbour.

With this checklist done, you can hit the road or catch your flight knowing everything back home is safe and sound. Here's to a relaxing and worry-free summer escape!

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legacy and ensure that your wishes are honored after your passing. While many people recognize the general value of having a will, its significance becomes even more critical when real estate is involved.

Whether you own a family home, a vacation property, rental units, or investment land, having a legally valid will in place can spare your loved ones unnecessary stress, financial hardship, and legal complications. Here’s why a will matters—especially when real estate is part of your estate.

1. Avoiding Uncertainty and Conflict

Without a will, your real estate—and all your assets—will be distributed according to provincial laws of intestacy. This often means your property won’t automatically go to the person you might have chosen. For blended families, common-law partners, or estranged relatives, the outcome can be particularly messy and emotionally taxing. A will puts you in control, offering clarity and direction during a difficult time.

2. Ensuring Smooth Transfers of Property

Real estate transactions can be complex, and delays in transferring ownership can lead to costly issues like missed mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance lapses, or even loss of a sale. A clear will can speed up the process by identifying beneficiaries and naming an executor with the legal authority to handle your affairs. This is especially important if a property is to be sold to settle the estate or if multiple heirs are involved.

3. Minimizing Probate Delays

When you die without a will, your estate must go through a more complex and time-consuming probate process. This can result in delays, additional legal fees, and even forced sales of property. A properly drafted will can help simplify the probate process, reduce expenses, and ensure your property is dealt with efficiently.

4. Protecting Vulnerable Beneficiaries

If you have dependents, aging parents, or beneficiaries who may not be financially responsible, a will allows you to structure your estate in a way that protects them. You can set up trusts, defer distributions, or appoint guardians or trustees. This becomes especially crucial when real estate is involved—ensuring that your home is preserved for children or not mismanaged by someone unprepared to handle property ownership.

5. Planning for Taxes and Capital Gains

Real estate often makes up a large portion of an estate’s value and can trigger significant taxes upon death. A will, along with proper estate planning, gives you the opportunity to minimize tax implications through strategies like joint ownership, trusts, or gifting during your lifetime. This can help preserve more of your estate for your loved ones.

6. Maintaining Family Legacy or Business Continuity

For families who own vacation properties or farms passed down through generations—or for those whose real estate is tied to a family-run business—a will can provide direction for succession. Do you want the family cabin kept in the family? Should one child inherit the business property while the others receive equivalent value in cash? These are decisions best made ahead of time, not left to chance or court decisions.

7. Empowering Your Executor

By naming an executor in your will, you’re choosing someone you trust to carry out your wishes. This person will have the authority to manage real estate transactions, deal with tenants if applicable, and coordinate with legal and financial professionals. Without a will, the court will appoint an administrator—who may not be the person you would have chosen.

Final Thoughts

Your home and other real estate holdings are often among the most valuable and sentimental parts of your estate. Without a will, your family may face delays, costs, and disputes that can overshadow the grieving process. A well-thought-out will is a powerful gift to your loved ones—offering guidance, peace of mind, and a smooth path forward.

If you own real estate, now is the time to speak with a legal professional and make sure your will reflects your intentions. It’s a vital part of safeguarding your assets, your family, and your legacy.

As the winter days linger on, now is the perfect time to tackle that decluttering project you've been putting off. While spring cleaning often gets the spotlight, clearing out the excess indoors sets the stage for a fresh start when warmer weather arrives. Whether you're a seasoned organizer or new to the decluttering game, use this checklist to streamline your space effectively before spring gardening season begins!

The Ultimate Winter Decluttering Checklist

General Decluttering

·       Start small—one drawer, one shelf, or one room at a time

·       Sort items into Keep, Donate/Sell, and Discard piles

·       Use labeled bins or baskets to organize similar items

·       Be honest—if you haven’t used it in a year, let it go!

Entryway & Living Spaces

·       Clear out shoes, coats, and bags you no longer use

·       Organize mail, keys, and miscellaneous clutter in a designated spot

·       Dust and wipe down surfaces to refresh the space

·       Remove excess decor or furniture that makes the space feel crowded

Kitchen

·       Check the pantry for expired or unused items

·       Declutter and organize cabinets and drawers

·       Donate duplicate or unused kitchen gadgets

·       Wipe down and sanitize fridge shelves and drawers

Bedrooms & Closets

·       Sort through clothing—donate or sell items you haven’t worn in a year

·       Fold and organize seasonal clothing for easy access

·       Declutter nightstands, dressers, and under-bed storage

·       Rotate or store winter bedding in preparation for spring

Bathrooms

·       Toss expired medications, beauty products, and toiletries

·       Organize under-sink storage and linen closets

·       Wipe down mirrors, counters, and cabinet shelves

·       Restock essentials and discard near-empty bottles

Home Office & Digital Space

·       Sort through papers—file what’s needed, shred the rest

·       Unsubscribe from junk emails and clean out your inbox

·       Declutter and organize computer files and photos

·       Dust and wipe down your desk, keyboard, and monitor

Storage Areas (Garage, Attic, Basement)

·       Organize holiday decorations and store properly

·       Sort through tools, sports gear, and seasonal equipment

·       Donate or dispose of broken or unused items

·       Label storage bins for easy access

Prep for Spring Gardening

·       Sort and organize gardening tools and supplies

·       Clean out garden sheds or garages to make room for new plants

·       Plan storage solutions for winter gear as the season changes

Final Step: Maintain the Momentum!

·       Set a decluttering schedule—weekly, monthly, or seasonally

·       Establish a habit of putting items back in their designated place

·       Keep donation bins handy for future decluttering sessions

Decluttering now means a fresh start for spring! Take it one step at a time, and soon, your home will feel lighter, cleaner, and ready for the season ahead.

According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), an estimated 1.2 million Canadian homeowners are set to renew their mortgages in 2025. This comes as many are navigating a shifting interest rate landscape, with the Bank of Canada’s key overnight lending rate now at 3.25% following a series of rate cuts that began in June 2024. While this rate is significantly lower than the 5% peak, many homeowners are still facing higher monthly payments compared to the historically low fixed rates they secured in 2020 and 2021.

For those renewing their mortgages, careful planning and strategic decision-making are critical to mitigating financial strain. Here are key considerations and actionable tips to help Canadians save money during this process.

Understand the Changing Rate Environment

The Bank of Canada’s rate cuts have brought relief to variable rate and adjustable rate mortgage holders, as well as those with home equity lines of credit tied to the prime lending rate. Meanwhile, fixed mortgage rates are influenced by Canadian bond yields, which have been trending lower recently. Despite this, fixed rates today are more than double the rates offered during the pandemic years, placing renewed pressure on homeowners.

For example, in British Columbia, where the average mortgage renewal amount is approximately $450,000, a homeowner renewing from a 2% fixed rate to a 5% rate could see their monthly payment increase by several hundred dollars. It is essential to prepare for these changes by exploring ways to reduce costs and improve cash flow.

Strategies to Save Money on Your Mortgage Renewal

1. Shop Around and Compare Rates
   Don’t settle for your current lender’s initial renewal offer. Compare rates from multiple lenders to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Consider reaching out to a mortgage broker who can help you evaluate rates and products from various lenders, including banks and credit unions. Once you find a competitive rate, ask your current lender to match or beat it.

2. Assess Your Mortgage Needs
   Renewal is an excellent time to reevaluate your financial goals and future plans. For example:

   • If you’re planning a move, consider an open or portable mortgage.

   • If renovations are in your future, a home equity line of credit might be worth exploring.

   • If you anticipate financial constraints, opting for a longer amortization could lower your monthly payments.

3. Make Lump-Sum Payments
   If you have savings or other financial resources, consider making a lump-sum payment to reduce your mortgage balance. This can significantly lower your monthly payments and total interest costs over the life of the loan.

4. Extend Your Amortization
   For those needing immediate relief, extending your amortization period—up to the original term minus the elapsed years—can lower monthly payments. This can be especially helpful for families managing multiple financial priorities.

Understanding Recent Mortgage Changes

Several recent reforms are poised to impact homeowners and buyers:

• Price Cap Increase for Insured Mortgages
  As of December 15, 2024, the price cap for insured mortgages rose from $1 million to $1.5 million. This change allows more Canadians to qualify for a mortgage with a down payment of less than 20% and provides access to a broader range of housing options.

• 30-Year Amortization for Select Borrowers
  First-time homebuyers and those purchasing new builds can now opt for a 30-year amortization, providing flexibility and reducing monthly payments.

• Elimination of Stress Test for Lender Switching
  Homeowners looking to switch lenders at renewal no longer need to undergo a stress test. This change promotes competition and makes it easier for borrowers to secure better rates.

Conclusion

Renewing a mortgage in 2025 presents unique challenges and opportunities. While higher payments are likely unavoidable for many, proactive measures such as shopping around, reassessing your mortgage product, and leveraging recent policy changes can help ease the burden. As the market evolves, staying informed and seeking professional advice will be key to making the best financial decisions for your future.

Winter brings chilly temperatures, heavy rain, and, in some areas, snow. Ensuring your home is winter-ready can help you save on energy costs, prevent damage, and keep your family warm and comfortable. Here’s a guide on essential steps to prepare your home for the cold months ahead.

1.      Seal Windows & Doors

• Check for drafts around windows and doors. Seal cracks with caulking and install weatherstripping.

2.      Service the Heating System

• Schedule an HVAC tune-up, replace filters, and check radiators for trapped air.

3.      Clean Fireplace & Chimney

• Hire a chimney sweep for cleaning and inspection; check the pilot light on gas fireplaces.

4.      Inspect Roof & Gutters

• Repair any roof damage, clear gutters of debris, and ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

5.      Insulate Exposed Pipes

• Wrap pipes in unheated areas, disconnect hoses, and turn off outdoor spigots to prevent freezing.

6.      Trim Trees & Bushes

• Prune branches near the house to avoid damage from ice or wind.

7.      Drain & Winterize Sprinkler System

• Shut off water to the sprinkler system and drain pipes to prevent freezing.

8.      Protect Outdoor Equipment

• Cover outdoor furniture, store cushions, and move grills to sheltered spots.

9.      Prepare Walkways & Driveways

• Keep de-icing products and shovels ready, and consider using a sand mix to reduce slipping.

10.  Test Safety Devices

• Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; keep a fire extinguisher handy.

11.  Reverse Ceiling Fans

• Run ceiling fans clockwise to help circulate warm air.

12.  Prepare for Power Outages

• Stock emergency supplies like flashlights and blankets; consider a generator if outages are frequent.

Preparing your home for winter is an investment in comfort and safety. These simple steps can help you stay warm and avoid expensive repairs when the cold weather hits.